Alexander Sammon
Updated on: October 15, 2024 11:51 pm GMT
In a surprising turn of political events, former Republican Senator Jeff Flake of Arizona has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the upcoming presidential election, stating, “she’s ready” for the job. With just 37 days until Election Day, Flake’s endorsement is catching attention as he joins a handful of notable Republicans backing Harris.
Flake’s Reasons for Endorsement
Flake praised Harris for her understanding of foreign policy and her commitment to immigration reforms, pointing out her recent proposal for tougher border restrictions. During an interview on ABC News’ “This Week,” he stressed the importance of respecting the rule of law. He remarked, “It’s difficult to support a candidate who, having lost an election, tries to use the powers of the presidency to overturn that election,” implying that this is a critical value for many Republicans.
- Flake believes Harris will unite the country.
- He expressed confidence that she will “respect the will of voters.”
- He noted other Republicans who have also endorsed Harris, such as former Vice President Dick Cheney and his daughter, former Rep. Liz Cheney of Wyoming.
Flake’s endorsement is significant as he has remained a vocal critic of former President Donald Trump and has encouraged the Republican Party to move away from Trump’s influence.
Harris’s Foreign Policy Experience
In discussing Harris’s qualifications, Flake highlighted her speech at the Munich Security Conference and her ability to foster relationships with allies. “We have to support and work with our allies, and she understands that,” Flake said. “It was really stark watching the debate the other day and hearing the former president not be able to even cheer for Ukraine. That’s a big issue for me.”
Flake urged Harris to engage not just with progressive voters but also to court moderate and conservative Republicans. He believes her experience as a prosecutor and attorney general equips her well for the presidency.
Addressing Concerns about Border Policy
Flake also faced questions about Harris’s visit to the U.S.-Mexico border, her first in three years. A recent ABC News/Ipsos poll revealed that voters prefer Trump’s approach to the border by a margin of ten points. Flake praised Harris for her visit and the stricter asylum restrictions she proposed. “She knows what it takes,” he emphasized, reflecting on her background in law.
The former senator supported a bipartisan immigration bill during his time in Congress, which ultimately failed due to Republican opposition, primarily from Trump-aligned politicians. Flake expressed optimism about Harris’s willingness to engage in bipartisan efforts, stating, “If we do immigration reform that endures, it’s going to have to be bipartisan.”
The Broader Republican Context
Flake is not alone in his stance. Other Republicans in the Biden administration, such as Cindy McCain, are also advocating for a change in party attitudes. He is hopeful that his endorsement may resonate with voters from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, although he acknowledges that he can only speak for himself.
While some may question how effective an endorsement like Flake’s can be, it marks a notable shift within the Republican Party, with prominent figures now openly supporting a Democratic candidate.
Conclusion
Jeff Flake’s support for Kamala Harris shows that there are different opinions within the Republican Party. It also highlights the need for everyone to come together and respect how democracy works. As Election Day gets closer, people are paying attention to how endorsements like Flake’s affect what voters think. With politics changing so quickly, it will be interesting to see how this influences the upcoming election and what it means for the Republican Party in the future.
